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3 clusters · 10 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Harassment of RNLI volunteers in the United Kingdom

Overview

RNLI volunteers in the United Kingdom have faced significant harassment, including online abuse and physical threats, following anti-migrant protests. The hostility intensified after lifeboat crews rescued approximately 120 people from a small boat near the Isle of Wight, leading protesters in Portsmouth to label the rescuers ‘traitors’ and ‘collaborators.’

As the situation escalated, protesters leaked the personal information and home addresses of individual volunteers. In response to these safety concerns, the RNLI increased security measures and advised volunteers to avoid wearing branded clothing in public. Chief Executive Peter Sparkes condemned the behavior, describing it as ‘wholly unacceptable’ and driven by misinformation regarding the charity’s lifesaving mission.

By 10 September, the RNLI temporarily closed its Portsmouth lifeboat station due to the intense harassment. The organization has implemented contingency arrangements through other stations to maintain search and rescue coverage. Additionally, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) reported that it has also been targeted by demonstrators due to online confusion between the two organizations.

By 17 September, the RNLI clarified that while it responds to anyone in danger at sea regardless of nationality, only 1.2% of its 2025 launches were to small boats in the Channel. The charity noted that recent protests have generated ‘deliberate misinformation and a misunderstanding’ regarding its humanitarian role. The RNLI also revealed that its crews have previously had to stand by to ensure the safety of the protesters themselves when demonstrators entered the water to film rescue operations.

Entities

Peter Sparkes · RNLI · Port of Dover · RNIB · Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Timeline

  1. 6 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    RNLI and RNIB targeted by anti-migrant protesters

    Anti-migrant protesters have targeted the RNLI with abuse and misinformation, even mistakenly attacking the RNIB due to name similarity. The RNLI has temporarily suspended services in Portsmouth.

  2. 9 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    RNLI closes Portsmouth station following anti-migrant protests

    The RNLI has temporarily closed its Portsmouth station following anti-migrant protests, harassment, and the leaking of volunteer details. The RNIB also reported being mistaken for the lifeboat charity.

  3. 15 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 6 sources
    RNLI volunteers targeted by abuse following anti-migrant protests

    RNLI volunteers in the UK have faced online abuse and threats after assisting in small-boat migrant rescues, prompting the charity to increase security and advise crews to avoid wearing branded clothing.

Sources

bracknellnews.co.uk · ca.sports.yahoo.com · dailymail.co.uk · dorseteye.com · europesays.com · fishfocus.co.uk · huffingtonpost.co.uk · independent.co.uk · libdemblogs.co.uk · nea.gov.cn

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history